East African Legislative Assembly

The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) is a sub-organ of the larger East African Community, being the legislative arm of the Community. Members are sworn into five-year terms.[2]

East African Legislative Assembly

Swahili: Bunge la Afrika Mashariki
History
Founded30 November 2001
Leadership
Speaker
Structure
Seats62 (56 elected members, 8 ex-officio members)
Political groups
  Independents: 50 seats
  Jubilee Party: 5 seats
  Vacant: 2 seats
Meeting place
Arusha, Tanzania
Website
www.eala.org

History

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Since colonial times, a number of organizations have sought to integrate the region of East Africa.[3] During the Victorian Era, rail links were established, and a number of regional organizations, such as the East African Currency Board and the East African Court of Appeal were established.[3] A new wave of agreements and organizations were launched during the mid-20th century.[3]

The Treaty for East African Co-operation was signed in 1967, launching the East African Community.[3] However, due to political differences and weak participation, the treaty was nullified in 1977, ending the East African Community.[3]

Despite this, interest in further regional cooperation continued.[3] On 14 May 1984, the East African Community Mediation Agreement was signed, which pledged to "explore and identify areas for future co-operation and to make arrangements for such co-operation".[3] On 26 November 1994, representatives from Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania signed the Agreement for the Establishment of a Permanent Tripartite Commission, which established a commission to further cooperation among the three countries.[3] On 29 April 1999, the Tripartite Commission completed its analysis on the prospects of regional cooperation, and the three countries signed an agreement to upgrade the Agreement to a treaty for 2000.[3]

First Assembly (2001-2006)

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The East African Legislative Assembly was inaugurated on 30 November 2001 as the legislative arm of the newly revived East African Community.[3] The Assembly met in Arusha, Tanzania, where the Tripartite Commission announced it would upgrade to a treaty.[3] Abdulrahman Kinana, an Elected Member from Tanzania was unanimous elected the Speaker of the First Assembly.[3] The First Assembly met until 2006.[4]

Second Assembly (2007-2012)

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On 1 July 2007, Burundi and Rwanda joined the East African Community, and, therefore, the East Africa Legislative Assembly.[3] Abdirahim Abdi of Kenya served the Speaker of the Second Assembly.[5]

 
  Chama Cha Mapinduzi: 7 seats
  CNDD-FDD: 4 seats
  KANU: 2 seats
  CNDD: 1 seat
  FORD Kenya: 1 seat
  FORD People's Party: 1 seat
  MRC: 1 seat
  United Democratic Party: 1 seat
  UPRONA: 1 seat
  independents: 23 seats
  CUD: 3 seats

The elected members of the second EALA (2007–12) break down by political party as follows:[5]

Political party Burundi Kenya Rwanda South Sudan Tanzania Uganda TOTAL
Independents or unspecified   5 9 N/A   9 23
Chama Cha Mapinduzi       N/A 7   7
CNDD-FDD 4     N/A     4
KANU   2   N/A     2
CNDD 1     N/A     1
FORD Kenya   1   N/A     1
FORD People's Party   1   N/A     1
MRC 1     N/A     1
United Democratic Party       N/A 1   1
UPRONA 1     N/A     1
Chama cha Umma Demokrati     1 N/A 1 1 3
Totals 9 9 8 N/A 9 8 45
Elected Members of the East African Legislative Assembly[6]
Name Country Political Party
Abdirahim Haithar Haji Abdi Kenya
Catherine N Kimura Kenya
Christopher Dove Nakuleu Kenya
Gervase Mathias Buluma Kafwa Akhaabi Kenya
Clarkson Otieno Karan Kenya
Sarah Talaso Bonaya Kenya
Augustine Loile Chemonges Lotodo Kenya
Reuben Oyondi Oyondi Kenya
Safina Kwekwe Tsungu Kenya
George Francis Nangale Tanzania
Abdullah Ali Hassan Mwinyi Tanzania
Kate Sylivia / Magdalena Kamba Tanzania
Walid Aman Kabourou Tanzania
Fortunatus Lwanyantika Masha Tanzania
Didas John Massaburi Tanzania
Said Gharib Bilal Tanzania
Sebtuu Mohamed Nassor Tanzania
Janet Deo Mmari Tanzania
Mike Sebalu Uganda
Lydia Wanyoto Wanyoto Uganda
Dora Kanabahita Byamukama Uganda
Daniel Fred Kidega Uganda
Bernard Mulengani Uganda
Mugisha Oyera Muntu Uganda
Dan Wandera Ogalo Uganda
Nusura Tiperu Omar Uganda
Uganda
Francois Bizimana Burundi
Regine Katabarumwe Burundi
Leonce Ndarubagiye Burundi
Frederic Ngenzebuhoro Burundi
Georgette Nibitanga Burundi
Nzobonimpa Manasse Burundi
Burundi
Burundi
Burundi
Abdul Karim Harerimana Rwanda Rwandan Patriotic Front[7]
James Ndahiro Rwanda representative for the disabled[7]
Odette Nyiramirimo Rwanda representative for civil society[7]
Pierre Damian Habumuremyi Rwanda Rwandan Patriotic Front[7]
Claire Kayirangwa Rwanda Rwandan Patriotic Front[7]
Patricia Hajabakiga Rwanda Rwandan Patriotic Front[7]
Jacqueline Muhongayire Rwanda Social Democratic Party[7]
Straton Ndikuryayo Rwanda representative for youth[7]
Valerie Nyirahabineza Rwanda representative for women[7]

Third Assembly (2012-2017)

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Margaret Zziwa of Uganda served as the speaker from 2012 to 2014.[4] She was the first woman to head the regional assembly and defeated her only rival Dora Byamukama 27 votes to 18 in the first round and 33 votes to 12 in the runoff.[8] She was succeeded by Daniel Kidega, who served from 2014 until the end of the Third Assembly in 2017.[9]

Elected Members of the East African Legislative Assembly[10]
Name Country Political Party
Margaret Zziwa Uganda
Dora Byamukama Uganda
Dan Kidega Uganda
Fred Mbidde Mukasa Uganda
Bernard Mulengani Uganda
Susan Nakawuki Uganda
Chris Opoka-Okumu Uganda
Mike Sebalu Uganda
Nusura Tiperu Uganda
Nancy Abisai Kenya
Abubakar Zein Abubakar Kenya
Sarah Bonaya Kenya
Peter Mathuki Kenya
Mumbi Ngaru Kenya
Saole Ole Nkanae Kenya
Abubakar Ogle Kenya
Joseph Kiangoi Kenya
Judith Pareno Kenya
Shy-Rose Bhanji Tanzania
Adam Kimbisa Tanzania
Angela Kizigha Tanzania
Bernard Murunya Tanzania
Abdullah Mwinyi Tanzania
Perprtua Nderakindo Tanzania
Makongoro Nyerere Tanzania
Issa Taslima Tanzania
Mariam Ussi Yahya Tanzania
Emerence Bucumi Burundi
Hafsa Mossi Burundi
Isabelle Ndahayo Burundi
Leonce Ndarubagiye Burundi
Martin Nduwimana Burundi
Emmanuel Nengo Burundi
Jeremie Ngendakumana Burundi
Frederic Ngenzebuhoro Burundi
Yves Nsabimana Burundi
Christophe Bazivamo Rwanda
Patricia Hajabakiga Rwanda
Abdulkarim Harelimana Rwanda
Jacqueline Muhongayire Rwanda
James Ndahiro Rwanda
Straton Ndikuryayo Rwanda
Valerie Nyirahabineza Rwanda
Odette Nyiramilimo Rwanda
Pierre Celesitin Rwigema Rwanda

Fourth Assembly (2017-2022)

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The Fourth Assembly has a total of 62 members, of which each member state submits 9 elected members, and 8 ex-officio members.[11] Its speaker is Martin Ngoga of Rwanda.[2]

The following table lists the elected members of the Fourth Assembly of the East African Legislative Assembly:

Elected Members of the East African Legislative Assembly[2]
Name Country Political Party
Mnyaa Habib Mohamed Tanzania
Nkuhi Fancy Haji Tanzania
Maryam Ussi Yahya Tanzania
Kimbisa Adam Omar Tanzania
Hasnuu Makame Abullah Tanzania
Lugiko Happyness Elias Tanzania
Maghembe Ngwaru Tanzania
Maasay Pamela Simon Tanzania
Josephine Sebastian Lemoyan Tanzania
Thoar Gatpan Gideon South Sudan
Jago Odok Woda Jeremiah South Sudan
Ann Itto Leonardo South Sudan
Gabriel Garang Aher Arol South Sudan
Kim Gai Ruot Duop South Sudan
Deng Dut Gatkek Thomas South Sudan
Gabriel Alaak Garang Diing South Sudan
Deng Nhial Gai South Sudan
Ayason Mukulia Kennedy South Sudan
Christopher Opoka-Okumu Uganda
Susan Nakawuki Uganda
Fred Mukasa Mbidde Uganda
George Stephen Odongo Uganda
Dennis Namara Uganda
Musamali Paul Mwasa Uganda
Kasamba Mathias Uganda
Rose Akol Okullu Uganda
Mary Mugyenyi Uganda
Flowrence Jematiah Sergon Kenya Jubilee Party
Oburu Odinga Kenya National Super Alliance
Noor Mohamed Adan Kenya Jubilee Party
Wanjiku Muhia Kenya Jubilee Party
Simon Mbugua Nganga Kenya Jubilee Party
Kennedy Musyoka Kalonzo Kenya National Super Alliance
Fatuma Ibrahim Ali Kenya National Super Alliance
Aden Omar Abdikadir Kenya National Super Alliance
Aburi Mpuru Lawrence Kenya Jubilee Party
Pierre-Célestin Rwigema Rwanda
Kalinda Francois Xavier Rwanda
Martin Ngoga Rwanda Rwandan Patriotic Front
Jean Claude Barimuyabo Rwanda
Alex Bahati Rwanda
Francoise Uwumukiza Rwanda
Francine Rutazana Rwanda
Fatuma Ndangiza Rwanda
Oda Gasinzigwa Rwanda
Léontine Nzeyimana Burundi
Marie Claire Barikukiye Burundi
Sophie Nsavyimana Burundi
Alfred Ahingejeje Burundi
Mo-Mamo Karerwa Burundi
Jean-Marie Muhirwa Burundi
Pierre Claver Rurakamvye Burundi
Victor Burikukiye Burundi
Christopher Nduwayo Burundi

The following table lists the ex-officio members of the Fourth Assembly of the East African Legislative Assembly:

Ex-Officio Members of the East African Legislative Assembly[2]
Name Country Political Party
Isabelle Ndahayo Burundi
Francois Kalinda Rwanda
Pierre-Célestin Rwigema Rwanda
Maryam Ussi Yahya Tanzania
Fred Mukasa Mbidde Uganda
Susan Nakawuki Uganda
Vacant
Vacant

Fifth Assembly (2022-2027)

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The Fifth Assembly was inaugurated on 19 December 2022,[12] which included for the first time 9 members from the Democratic Republic of Congo, which had joined the EALA in March of that year.[13] Joseph Ntakarutimana of Burundi was elected as speaker of the 63-member parliamentary body.[14] In addition to the elected members, the fifth parliament included nine ex-officio members – one from each member nation, the secretary general, and the counsel – who serve as ministers of the East African Community Affairs.[15] The following table lists the elected members of the Fifth Assembly of the East African Legislative Assembly:

Elected Members of the East African Legislative Assembly[16]
Name Country Political Party
Jacqueline Amongin Uganda
Gerald Blacks Siranda Uganda
Veronica Kadogo Uganda
James Kakooza Uganda
Paul Mwasa Musamali Uganda
George Stephen Odongo Uganda
Dennis Namara Uganda
Mary Mugyenyi Uganda
Rose Akol Okullu Uganda
Mohame Juma Nadra Tanzania
Shogo Richard Mlozi Tanzania
James Kinyasi Millya Tanzania
Mashaka Khalfan Ngole Tanzania
Abdulla Hasnuu Makame Tanzania
Maghembe Jumanne Ng'waru Tanzania
Machano Ali Machano Tanzania
Angela Charles Kizigha Tanzania
Ansar Kachwamba Tanzania
Gabriel Garang Aher Arol South Sudan
Thomson Luke Teny South Sudan
Sadia James Sebit South Sudan
Deng Gai South Sudan
Gai Rut Kim South Sudan
Kennedy Aysason Mukulia South Sudan
Woda Jeremiah Odok Jago South Sudan
Ann Itto Leonardo South Sudan
Gideon Gatpa Thoar South Sudan
Alex Bahati Rwanda
Françoise Uwumukiza Rwanda
Clément Musangabatware Rwanda
Francine Rutazana Rwanda
Aisha Nyiramana Rwanda
Mathias Harabemungu Rwanda
Alodie Iradukunda Rwanda
Caroline Rwivanga Kayonga Rwanda
Fatuma Ndangiza Rwanda
Suleiman Said Shahbal Kenya
David Ole Sankok Kenya
Winnie Odinga Kenya
Maina Godfrey Mwangi Kenya
Zipporah Kering Kurga Kenya
James Mathenge Kanini Kenya
Kennedy Musyoka Kalonzo Kenya
Falhada Dekow Iman Kenya
Hassan Omar Hassan Kenya
François Mangu Ngate Democratic Republic of Congo
Stella Nyota Mwetaminwa Democratic Republic of Congo
Joseph Mbombo Mundela Democratic Republic of Congo
Jérémie Ilenda Maswama Democratic Republic of Congo
Dorothé Nganiza Masirika Democratic Republic of Congo
Géraldine Kalwa Kaubo Democratic Republic of Congo
Evariste Kwete Kalala Democratic Republic of Congo
Jean-Bertrand Ewanga Democratic Republic of Congo
Désiré Ipenda Boulu Democratic Republic of Congo
Olivier Nkurunziza Burundi
Anastase Manirambona Burundi
Saidi Kibeya Burundi
Cathy Kezimana Burundi
Mo-Mamo Karerwa Burundi
Victor Burikukiye Burundi
Goreth Bigirimana Burundi
Gabriel Ntisezerana Burundi
Joseph Ntakirutimana Burundi

Composition

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Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete addressing the Assembly

As of the Fourth Assembly, the East African Legislative Assembly has 62 members, of which each member state submits 9 elected members, and 8 ex-officio members.[11]

According to Article 50 of the East African Community Treaty, members are elected by their respective country's national legislature.[11] Article 50 also calls upon said members to reflect their country's political parties, opinions, gender composition, and other special groups.[11]

The ex-officio members of the Assembly are to be each member state's minister for regional cooperation, the Secretary General of the East African Community, and the Counsel to the Community.[11]

Functions

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Article 49 of the East African Community Treaty stipulates that the responsibilities of the East African Legislative Assembly are to "be the legislative organ of the Community", "liaise with the National Assemblies of the Partner States on matters relating to the Community", "debate and approve the budget of the Community", "consider annual reports on the activities of the Community, annual audit reports of the Audit Commission and any other reports referred to it by the Council", "discuss all matters pertaining to the Community and make recommendations to the Council as it may deem necessary for the implementation of the Treaty", "establish any committee or committees for such purposes as it deems necessary", "recommend to the Council the appointment of the Clerk and other officers of the Assembly", and "make its rules of procedure and those of its committees".[17]

Committees

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As Article 49 of the East African Community Treaty outlines, the East African Legislative Assembly has the right to "establish any committee or committees for such purposes as it deems necessary".[17] As of 2020, the Assembly has the following seven committees:[17]

  • The Commission Committee
  • The Accounts Committee
  • The Committee on Legal, Rules, and Privileges
  • The Committee on Agriculture, Tourism and Natural Resources
  • The Committee on Regional Affairs and Conflict Resolution
  • The Committee on Communication, Trade and Investment
  • The Committee on General Purpose

Activities since inauguration

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Since its inauguration, EALA has held several sittings as a Plenary in Arusha, Kampala and Nairobi. During these sittings, EALA has:

  • adopted its rules of procedure;
  • elected the Speaker of the Assembly;
  • recommended to the Council of Ministers the appointment of the Officers of the Assembly;
  • approved the budgets for the EAC for the 2002-3 and 2003-4 fiscal years;
  • asked the Council of Ministers 19 questions, which were duly answered;
  • adopted five resolutions;
  • held seminars on a wide range of issues in relation to their mandate; and
  • passed six bills into law.

The Committees have continuously got briefs from the Secretariat and given advice with regard to progress in the implementation of the Treaty.

Impact

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One 2015 paper suggested that the structure of the East African Community Treaty created the East African Community in a way that the East African Legislative Assembly often butted heads with the East African Community Council of Ministers, which harmed the efficacy of the Assembly.[18]

References

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  1. ^ "Rwanda's Ngoga elected EALA speaker". Daily Monitor. Uganda. 19 December 2017. Retrieved 2 March 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d "4th Assembly 2017- 2022 —East African Legislative Assembly". eala.org. East African Community. Archived from the original on 4 December 2020. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "History of the East African Legislative Assembly —East African Legislative Assembly". eala.org. East African Community. Archived from the original on 4 December 2020. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
  4. ^ a b "Zziwa, Margaret N —East African Legislative Assembly". eala.org. East African Community. Archived from the original on 4 December 2020. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
  5. ^ a b "2nd Assembly 2007 – 2012 —East African Legislative Assembly". eala.org. East African Community. Archived from the original on 4 December 2020. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
  6. ^ "EALA Members - 2nd Assembly". EALA. Arusha, Kenya: East African Legislative Assembly. 2024. Archived from the original on 26 January 2024. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i Kimenyi, Felly (12 May 2008). "Parliament Elects Rwanda's Representatives to the EALA". The New Times. Kigali, Rwanda. Archived from the original on 14 March 2024. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  8. ^ "Uganda's Zziwa Replaces Abdi As EALA Speaker". Al Bawaba. Amman, Jordan. AllAfrica. 6 June 2012. – via ProQuest 1019553982 (subscription required)
  9. ^ "Kidega, Daniel F —East African Legislative Assembly". eala.org. East African Community. Archived from the original on 4 December 2020. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
  10. ^ "Third EALA Inaugurated at Chamber". Al Bawaba. Amman, Jordan. AllAfrica. 7 June 2012. – via ProQuest 1019552705 (subscription required)
  11. ^ a b c d e "Composition of the Assembly —East African Legislative Assembly". eala.org. East African Community. Archived from the original on 4 December 2020. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
  12. ^ Ubwani, Zephania (15 December 2022). "Rwanda Picks New EALA Members, DRC Awaited". The Citizen. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Archived from the original on 9 April 2023. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
  13. ^ Havyarimana, Moses (20 December 2022). "New Members of East Africa's Regional Assembly Sworn In". The EastAfrican. Nairobi, Kenya. Archived from the original on 21 August 2023. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
  14. ^ "Burundian Lawmaker Elected Speaker for the East African Legislative Assembly". APA News. Dakar, Sénégal. African Press Agency. 20 December 2022. Archived from the original on 26 January 2024. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
  15. ^ "EALA Elects New Members of Commission". Daily News. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. 26 December 2022. Archived from the original on 27 January 2024. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
  16. ^ "EALA Members - 5th Assembly". EALA. Arusha, Kenya: East African Legislative Assembly. 2024. Archived from the original on 26 January 2024. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
  17. ^ a b c "The East African Legislative Assembly —East African Legislative Assembly". eala.org. East African Community. Archived from the original on 4 December 2020. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
  18. ^ Gastorn, Kennedy (2015). "The Inevitable Reforms of the Legislative Competencies of the East African Legislative Assembly". Verfassung und Recht in Übersee / Law and Politics in Africa, Asia and Latin America. 48 (1): 28–48. doi:10.5771/0506-7286-2015-1-28. ISSN 0506-7286. JSTOR 26160046. S2CID 154384509.